The authority has voted to support a national campaign urging the Government to modernise the Gambling Act of 2005.
The motion calls for stronger powers to be given to councils.
These powers would include authorities being able to implement stricter controls on gambling advertising.
The joint call has been formally submitted in a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy.
Cllr Harry Boparai said:
“Compulsive gambling is destroying lives. 650 people, mostly young, took their own lives last year as a result of gambling. I have personally witnessed desperate-looking people lose thousands of pounds in minutes in betting shops. Unfortunately, local authorities are currently powerless to act to protect communities from the destructive effects of compulsive gambling. Therefore, I am delighted that Spelthorne Council has adopted my proposal to support Brent Council’s campaign to reform gambling laws.”
Cllr Katherine Rutherford said:
“Gambling addiction is no longer a fringe issue; it’s a growing public health crisis. Every week, more families in our community are affected by the rise of Adult Gaming Centres, betting shops and casinos, often concentrated in our most vulnerable areas. Yet councils like ours remain largely powerless under outdated legislation. Spelthorne is standing with others to demand meaningful reform of the Gambling Act, so local authorities can safeguard resident’s wellbeing and restore accountability. This isn’t about morality, it’s about public health, local control, and shielding the vulnerable from harm.”
Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Councillor Joanne Sexton, said:
“Our residents are being affected by the growing number of gambling venues. We’re not calling for a full ban, but we do believe the laws need urgent change to better protect people. While we’re taking all the steps we can, there’s still more to be done – but it requires partnership working. Be in no doubt, all councillors in Spelthorne are united in our desire to reform the Gambling Act 2005, to ensure it is fit for purpose in protecting our most vulnerable residents.”
